Mastermind JAPAN x Lee Denim Collection

Mastermind JAPAN is unique in that over the years, designer Masaaki Honma has never once veered from his luxury philosophy regarding streetwear. This time, he brings his signature touch with an upscale spin on Lee’s classic workwear apparel.

Exclusivity is the one thing you’re guaranteed when you buy a piece by Mastermind Japan. The label, created by designer Masaaki Honma in 1997, often produces no more than three of each item it designs. Punk-inspired graphics combine with beautiful detailing in precious raw materials like diamond to give the collection a unique aesthetic. Mastermind’s iconic skull and crossbones logo emblazons T-shirts while jeans based on reworked classic Levi’s cuts are some of the most desirable there are.

Following on from the LEE Riders collaboration last year, Mastermind JAPAN once again joined forces with the famous workwear brand to create an exclusive denim collection. For Fall 2011 the two labels present raw denim jeans and a matching jacket, as well as a washed denim alternative. The Mastermind JAPAN skull and bones logo embroidery is found throughout the entire collection, keeping it overall rather subtle, especially compared to the louder pieces from the Japanese brand. The launch of this line coincides with the opening of Mastermind JAPAN’s online store ZOZOvilla, where the collection is exclusively sold. The luxury streetwear brand has also collaborated with partners Carhartt and Porter, bringing a similar luxurious montone aesthetic to these classic brands.